When he was a boy and saw scary things on the news, Mr. Rogers learned to “look for the helpers.” We’re taking that mindset and using it quite liberally. Yeah, the news is kind of bleak, but if we can find one good thing, we can finally get cocktails-to go. In times of a national pandemic, cocktails should certainly be considered a helper.
Ye Olde Durty bird
2 S. St. Clair St., 419-243-2473. Yeoldedurtybird.com
As if their menu isn’t reason enough to order take-out from Ye Olde Durty Bird, the fact that you can also get cocktails-to-go really seals the deal for us. With the hottest days of the year approaching, frozen Pina Coladas or Daiquiris are a necessity.
Adams Street Cafe
608 Adams St., 419-214-1819. Theadamsstcafe.com
You’re probably already familiar with the Adams Street Cafe as the TCP Fried Chicken Food Challenge winner, but did you also know they serve cocktails for takeaway? Pair that famous fried chicken dinner with a bloody mary, white Russian, or east side sparkler featuring Toledo Spirit’s East Side gin.
The Blarney
601 Monroe St., 419-418-2339.
Theblarneyirishpub.com
Comfort food is more essential than ever right now. You know what is even more comforting than Shepherd’s Pie? Shepherd’s Pie with a hearty cocktail (and a Guinness) to wash it down. Head to The Blarney for a feel-good meal and drink. We all need it.
Benchmark
6130 Levis Commons Blvd., 419-873-6590.
Benchmark-restaurant.com
Treat yourself with a little fine dining among this mayhem. Benchmark’s full menu is available including their handcrafted drinks. Personally, The Irish Bella made with Jameson, Maddie & Bella cold brew, vanilla cream and nutmeg sounds heavenly.
Carlos’ Poco Loco
1809 Adams St., 419-214-1655.
Carlospocoloco.com.
We wish we could bottle up the entire Poco Loco experience and enjoy that in our dining rooms. But at least we can enjoy their authentic Mexi-Cuba cuisine and classic cocktails like mojitos, sangria, and those ever-so-good margaritas.
Cousino’s Steakhouse
1842 Woodville Rd., Northwood, 419-693-0862. Facebook.com/cousinos/
It’s not fine dining if the drink doesn’t meet the standards of the meal. Fear not, the drinks at Cousino’s Steakhouse deliver on every front. Sure it’s still August, but their Caramel Apple Martini knows no season. Or maybe you want to host your own brunch without doing all the work? Order some Mimosas and Bloody Marys!
El Camino
El Camino Real Toledo: 2500 W Sylvania Ave., 419-472-0700.elcaminorealtoledo.com/
El Camino Real Sky: 2072 Woodville Rd., Oregon, 419-693-6695.
Yeah, you can enjoy Mexican food without a margarita. But why should you? Lucky for us, the El Camino locations offer cocktails to go. And we really, really appreciate it. 
El Vaquero
24 Main St., 419-690-8330. Mexicanresturaunttoledo.com
3302 Secor Rd.,419-536-0471.
2661 N. Dixie Hwy., Perrysburg. 419-872-1230.
No matter where you are in the Toledo area, an El Vaquero location is close by. Which means, of course, that so are their creative and traditional cocktails. Why not try one of their margaritas with a twist like the Buckeye or the new Patron Clawgarita?
5th Street Pub
105 W. 5th St., Perrysburg. 419-931-9933. 5thstreetpub.com
Sure, you’ve ordered a delivery pizza before. But have you ever ordered a delivery pizza with cocktails? To be honest, it doesn’t matter what you order for dinner, you’ll find something on this special cocktail list to pair well with anything. Feeling fruity? Go with the Strawberry Lemonade Sangria. Feeling classic? Can’t go wrong with a minty mojito.
Georgio’s Cafe International
426 N. Superior St., 419-242-2424.Georgiostoledo.com
Feeling fancy? Then Georgios is the place for you. Turn your dining room into an elegant experience with takeout from Georgios offering their full drink menu.
Georgio’s Grill
5577 Monroe St., Sylvania, 419-517-5311. Georigosgrill.com
Feeling a little less fancy but still craving delicious Georgios? No worries, Georgio’s grill is your place. The cocktails at Georgio’s Grill are fun and just what we need in the time of Covid. Choose from an Island Breeze, French Martini, or Caramel Apple Sangria. Need we say more?
Georgjz419
1205 Adams St., 419-842-4477. Georgjz419.business.site
It just wouldn’t be Georgjz without the “fun, food, and spirits.” Lucky for us, Georgjz offers any and every cocktail to go. Long Islands, Bloody Marys, Margaritas, flavored vodkas. Anything you want, they got it.
Hamburger Mary’s
26 Main St., 419-205-9393. Hamburgermarys.com
Still a little worried about attending big gigs? We get it. Turn on RuPaul’s Drag Race, nestle into your couch and sip on some cocktails from Hamburger Mary’s. It’ll be like you’re almost in the restaurant. We recommend the Fuzzy Tea Bag, a mix of sweet tea vodka, peach schnapps, and lemonade.
Home Slice Pizza
28 S. St. Clair St., 419-724-7437. Homeslice419.com.
The wonderful thing about thin slice pizza is not getting too full that you can’t also indulge in drinks. Home Slice offers Margaritas an assortment of vodka lemonade flavors to go.
Jed’s Barbeque and Brew
855 S Holland Sylvania Rd., 419-868-6666. facebook.com/pg/Jedstoledo
Just because we can’t attend baseball games doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy ballpark staples like mini corndogs, nachos, and wings. Plus, Jed’s offers cocktails better than you’re likely to find at a ballpark anyway. Turn on the sports (reruns also encouraged) and treat yourself with a Crisp Apple-Ade or a Jed’s Signature Bloody Mary.
Loma Linda
10400 Airport Hwy., Swanton, 419-865-5445
Lomalindmexican.com
Margaritas are the only cocktail available to go at Loma Linda. But hey, if the signature drink is that good, why bother with anything else?
Mancy’s Bluewater Grille
461 W. Dussel Dr., Maumee. 419-724-2583.
Mancys.com/bluewater
Let’s be honest, half the fun of having a cocktail is in the catchy drink name, and boy does Mancy’s Bluewater Grille deliver. Bourbon Smash? Passion Potion? Piggyback Rye Manhattan? Yes, please!
Manhattan’s Pub ‘n Cheer
1516 Adams St., 419-243-6675. Manhattanstoledo.com.
With a drink menu nearly as long as the dinner menu, you’d be seriously missing out if you didn’t take advantage of the drinks to-go at Manhattan’s. Double-dip your local support by getting the East Side Lemonade featuring Toledo Spirit’s gin.
Manos Greek Restaurant & The Attic on Adams
1701 Adams St., 419-244-4479. Manosgreekrestaurant.com
Manos and The Attic are the combo we all know, love, and cherish. Accompany your Manos meal with an Attic beverage.
Mason Jar Tap and Grille
8504 Secor Rd., Lambertville, 734-854-8737.
Masonjartapandgrill.com
Order from Mason Jar Tap and Grille for a good time. With drinks like Giggle Juice and Raspberry Bourbon Smash, you’re sure to find yourself in a cheery mood.
Maumee Bay Brewing Company
27 Broadway St., 419-243-1302. Mbaybrew.com
Maumee Bay Brewing Company is one of those places that no matter who you’re with, everyone can find something they’ll enjoy on the menu. True to form, the drink menu doesn’t disappoint either. Enjoy a drink (or three) to go with your entree.
Rosie’s Italian Grille
606 N. McCord Rd., 419-866-5007. Rosiesitaliangrille.com
The best thing about eating pasta at home is eating it in your sweatpants. Hello, elastic waistband! The second best thing about eating pasta at home is pairing it with a refreshing cocktail you didn’t need to make. Rosie’s Italian Grille offers an entire cocktail-to-go menu which boasts The Best Cosmo.
Shawn’s Irish Tavern
Toledo: 4400 Heatherdowns Blvd., 419-381-1281. Shawnsirishtavern.com.
Sylvania: 7436 W Bancroft St., 419-724-7981
Waterville: 105 South 3rd St., Waterville, 419-441-1081.
Every day might feel the same in the time of COVID, but the menu at Shawn’s Irish Tavern is extensive enough to try something new every night. Add in the fact that Shawn’s Irish Tavern offers its entire bar to-go, and the options become limitless, people! Get out of the COVID rut and try a new drink every day.
Souk Mediterranean Kitchen & Bar
139 S. Huron. 567-777-7685. Soukkitchenbar.com
Souk is new to the scene, but like a good neighbor, they come bearing gifts. In this case, cocktails-a-plenty— plus the DORA district. While it’s not encouraged to visit other cities right now, the drinks at Souk can temporarily transport you with options like the Turkish Old Fashioned, Tiki Time, or Midnight Manhattan.
Swig Restaurant and Bar
219 Louisiana Ave., Perrysburg, 419-873-6223.
Swigrestaurant.com.
Much of the joy of going to Swig is in the cocktails. Boasting 100 different whiskeys and specialty liqueurs, you’d be hard-pressed not to discover a new favorite cocktail. Soak the most out of season with the Summertime Goodess concoction of Bacardi, pineapple juice, orange juice, coconut creme, and grenadine.
Ventura’s
7742 W. Bancroft St., 419-841-7523.
venturasmexicanrestaurant.com
Ventura’s offers an entire curbside menu and the very first item listed? Margaritas. Clearly they know how to prioritize. Choose from 11 different flavors like mango, pomegranate, blueberry and cranberry.
Whiskey & the Wolf
3515 W. Alexis Rd., 419-690-4280. Whiskeyandthewolf.com
The house-made cocktails at this lowkey gastropub are just as comforting as the food offerings. Take home something traditional, like a Sazerac or a Bee’s Knees, or opt for a more contemporary concoction like the Rose Manhattan.
Whitehouse Inn
10853 Waterville St., Whitehouse, 419-877-1180. Thewhitehouseinn.net
It might not be the full drink menu, but Whitehouse Inn offers the essentials: Long Islands and Margaritas served in keepsake mason jars. The simplicity is a nice change of pace from the current state of the world, we must say.
